Alpharetta YMCA member to compete for world swimming title

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Juan Carlos Sanchez, member of the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta YMCA, is competing for the Masters World Swimming Championship in Montreal. Sanchez wants to make himself and his family proud, while setting a good example for his 13-year-old son.

“Placing top 10 would be super wild,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez began competing in events on Aug. 2 and will finish Aug. 9 against projected Olympians at the event, with about 10,000 competitors expected to race. He is racing in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter freestyle as well as the 200-meter individual medley.

The swimmer, born in Colombia, swam throughout high school until college at the age of 18, when he decided to make academics his top priority.

Sanchez says he enjoys the comradery amongst his fellow Alpharetta YMCA swimmers, noting that they can make fun of each other while also providing each other that extra push.

“It’s not the same by yourself,” he said. “We keep each other accountable.”

The championship is held by the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), or International Swimming Federation. This year will mark the 15th biennial FINA World Masters Championship.